Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX 'to be directed by Looper's Rian Johnson' as JJ Abrams prepares to 'hand over the baton'

But already, there are major plans ahead for the next to two films of the new Star Wars trilogy.

Deadline reports that Lucasfilm is making deal with Rian Johnson - the writer and director of the sci-fi movie Looper - to take the helm of Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX.

In safe hands: Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX 'to be directed by
Looper's Rian Johnson' - seen here in February last year - as JJ Abrams
prepares to 'hand over the baton'

The site claims that Rian, 40 - who won awards for his debut feature, Brick in 2005 - will be taking over the reigns of the franchise from JJ Abrams.

It follows the news that there is already spin-off of the franchise in the words, with director Josh Trank to take the helm.

The acclaimed Chronicle director was hired by Disney and Lucasfilm to oversee one of the upcoming standalone films that will accompany the new Star Wars trilogy.

May the Ford be with you: Meanwhile, filming for Star Wars: Episode VII recently suffered a blow after Harrison - seen here with JJ Abrams this month in London - was airlifted to hospital following a broken leg

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family. He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation.'

'That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX.'

Disney announced it will produce several standalone 'Star Wars' films focusing on popular characters from the sci-fi franchise.

Production under way: JJ Abrams was seen conducting a cast reading for Star Wars: Episode VII at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire in April this yuear

The new trilogy will begin with 'Episode VII' next year, followed by new instalments in 2017 and 2019.Meanwhile, the standalone films are currently scheduled for release in 2016 and 2018.

Godzilla director Gareth Edwards has also been hired to direct one of the spin-offs.

Trank is currently working on a reboot of superhero movie 'The Fantastic Four', which is due for release in 2015.

Meanwhile, filming for Star Wars: Episode VII recently suffered a blow after Harrison Ford was airlifted to hospital following a broken leg.

Harrison's representative said in a statement: 'Harrison Ford's left leg was broken in an accident. His surgery was successful and he will begin rehab shortly. He's doing well and looks forward to returning to work.'ram alongside a snapshot of the Star Wars logo on Monday. 'I'm going to a galaxy far far away.'

Addition: Oscar winning star Lupita Nyong'o and
Game Of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie have been the most recent names to join the cast